Harry Kane will lead the Three Lions into battle in Scotland – in a high pressure audition to be England’s next permanent captain.
Gareth Southgate revealed he decided to give Kane the armband after seeing his leadership qualities on their boot camp training with the Royal Marines.
England boss Southgate insists he is in no rush to appoint a permanent successor for Wayne Rooney but believes that the Tottenham striker can lead them to victory against the old enemy.
The frustration for England boss Southgate is that both Kane and Rooney, 31, are out of Wednesday’s match in Germany through injury.
Southgate said: “Harry has leadership qualities. He’s very single-minded, determined and dedicated.
“He’s got an opinion and is happy to speak up. I encourage that. I just haven’t been able to bloody pick him!”
On Rooney’s chances of leading the Three Lions again, Southgate added: “He’ll be highly motivated to make it happen.”
Southgate says he has also seen leadership qualities in Liverpool’s Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling at Man City and Chris Smalling, who has been captaining United in Rooney’s absence.
Regardless of whether he is appointed captain, Kane will be determined to continue making a major impact for club and country, starting with the game away to Scotland on Saturday.
Kane was excellent for Tottenham this season as he scored 29 goals in 30 Premier League appearances, finishing as the highest scorer in the division.
